Key Facts
• April 9, 2026: Fukushima University announced award for joint research paper.
• Research theme: Estimating climate change impact on rice production value in Tohoku and Kyushu.
• Collaboration with University of Tokyo Graduate School of Agricultural and Life Sciences and Takushoku University.
• Estimated economic loss per 1°C temperature rise: 7 billion yen in Tohoku, 12 billion yen in Kyushu.
• Climate change increases frequency and magnitude of rice production value decline.
• Proposed measures: heat-resistant rice varieties and earlier rice planting.
• Award received at Japan Society of Agricultural Meteorology national conference on March 18, 2026.
• Research published in the society’s academic journal.
• Society praised study as vital for future food production forecasting and societal contribution.
Summary
Associate Professor Ryuhei Yoshida of Fukushima University, along with collaborators from the University of Tokyo and Takushoku University, received a paper award from the Japan Society of Agricultural Meteorology for their joint research on the effects of climate change on rice production value in Japan’s Tohoku and Kyushu regions. Their study estimates that a 1°C increase in temperature could cause economic losses of approximately 7 billion yen in Tohoku and 12 billion yen in Kyushu annually, with a higher frequency of production declines. To mitigate these impacts, the researchers suggest adopting heat-tolerant rice strains and advancing planting schedules. The research was published in the society’s journal and recognized on March 18, 2026, highlighting its importance for agricultural meteorology and food security forecasting.
